REJECT REQUEST FOR IMMUNITY OF NAPOLES

OPPOSITION and administration lawmakers yesterday reiterated their call for the government to reject the request for immunity of alleged pork barrel scam “mastermind” Janet Lim Napoles, stressing the people deserve justice.

House independent minority bloc and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Cavite Rep. Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga Jr., both lawyers, said Napoles should face the full force of the law.

“If the evidence for criminal charges are pointing to her, Napoles should face justice and her request for immunity should not be entertained,” Romualdez, president of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), said after Napoles formally applied to Justice Sec. Leila de Lima to be a state witness.

“As a lawyer, the best guide for prosecution is evidence so we go for the evidence. The Department of Justice should not solely depend on what Napoles has been saying on her affidavit,” Romualdez added